Stacked With Daniel Negreanu

UPC: 180951000042

Platform: Xbox

Publisher: Myelin Media

Developer: 5000ft, Inc.

Category: Traditional

Style(s): Card Game

Synopsis: Myelin Media takes its seat at the crowded table of contemporary poker simulations with Stacked. Running on an exclusive version of the Poki Artificial Intelligence system, the game's single-player modes are designed to adapt to the gamers' skills and style, and consistently present an engaging challenge. Online modes are also available, and co-producer MTV Networks supports Stacked communities with chat rooms, leader boards, and on-air promotion. Stacked is also endorsed by Texas Hold 'Em champ Daniel Negreanu, who lends his likeness and expertise to the project. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 24-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

The manual adequately covers the basic features and interface, and the game also includes some helpful tutorials. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

The 3D character models are above average, but the background environments look dull and washed out. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

The overwhelming popularity of Texas Hold 'Em in 2006 has meant poker themed video games have moved from the equivalent of smoky back rooms to the center of the parlor. Stacked with Daniel Negreanu, the sixth console poker game released since 2004, tries to lure card sharks away from such titles as World Poker Championship and World Poker Tour by touting an advanced artificial intelligence dubbed "Poki." The visuals are also a cut above your typical poker game, with detailed 3D models of opponents and a camera designed to recreate the sedentary experience with stunning precision. There are some noticeable flaws in the presentation, however. Older players might find the small cards more difficult to read than in other games, the betting interface is herky-jerky, and the background environments have a hazy, pixilated look that clashes with the sharp table and characters. The table view is an interesting one, as players can nudge the analog stick to see opponents sitting around the table or to look at their hand. Players are encouraged to remember their hole cards as they would in a real game, which is a nice touch. Which brings us to the Poki AI, which is slow at times and a little too predictable for a system that supposedly adapts to one's playing style in real-time. Part of the excitement in poker is in raising the stakes and seeing who bites or who folds. In Stacked, raising or re-raising in a no-limit game will result in more folds than a paper airplane. This is not only unrealistic, but it also has the unfortunate side effect of dragging games on for hours. Players have to be extremely conservative with their betting in order to keep opponents in the game and increase the pot. While Stacked also loses points for its narrow focus (no variants other than Texas Hold 'Em), it offers a diverse amount of table games and a rather deep career mode, with players gradually earning the right to compete in five- and ten-table tournaments and ante up against professional players. Online support is also included, but glitches like being automatically disconnected in the middle of a tournament suggest the game wasn't fully tested before it shipped. With its slow-play emphasis and shaky online support, Stacked falls short of its lofty aspirations. The content may satisfy those new to Hold 'Em, but rounders should sit this one out. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

There are plenty of tournaments, tables, characters, and other items to unlock in the single-player game, but the online experience is inconsistent. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

The banter between players and the background music aren't grating, but they aren't varied enough stand out, either. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

As an educational tool for new card players, the game has some merit. The AI has weaknesses, however, and the online component suffers from several glitches. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.